Baker injury could push former Huss player back into starting Falcons' lineup

A injury to teammate Sam Baker on Saturday pushed former Hunter Huss player Lamar Holmes back into the starting Falcons lineup.

By The Associated Press

Published: Monday, August 18, 2014 at 11:52 PM.

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — When the Atlanta Falcons drafted Jake Matthews, they figured he would take over at left tackle someday. They didn’t expect it to be this soon. Midway through his first NFL preseason, the Falcons shifted Matthews across the line on Monday to replace Sam Baker, who went down with a season-ending knee injury.

Matthews, the No. 6 overall pick, was expected to break into the league at right tackle, a less-demanding position than protecting quarterback Matt Ryan’s blind side. Now, the rookie will have to step up to the challenge right away.

“I think the coaches are going to put me in good situations,” Matthews said. “If I keep getting reps, I’ll be ready to go.”

Baker sustained a torn patellar tendon in his right knee during a 32-7 loss to the Houston Texans in a preseason game last Saturday night, hindering Atlanta’s plans for revamping the offensive line. The team struggled mightily up front last season, a big reason the Falcons ranked last in the league in rushing and gave up 44 sacks, the most in Ryan’s career.

Not surprisingly, the Falcons used their top draft pick on Matthews and signed free agent Jon Asamoah, another instant starter at right guard. Baker, a former first-round pick who played only four games last season because of a knee injury, also was part of the rebuilding effort.
Coach Mike Smith tried to put the best face on Baker going down again.

“As soon as we had confirmation that Sam wasn’t going to be able to play anymore this season, it’s an easy switch,” Smith said. “Jake is a No. 1 pick, the sixth pick in the draft, he’s got left tackle written all over him.”

Former starter Lamar Holmes, who had been listed as Baker’s backup, moved over to take Matthews’ spot on the right side. Gabe Carimi and Ryan Schraeder will compete for playing time as well, though Carimi is banged up at the moment.

“You just flip your mind, get over to that other side, and continue to play fast,” said Holmes, a former Hunter Huss player who started 15 games last season — essentially because the team had few other choices — but has yet to show he can handle a first-team job.

The Falcons have no such concerns about Matthews, who played left tackle at Texas A&M and was projected to take over that position at some point in the NFL.

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FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — When the Atlanta Falcons drafted Jake Matthews, they figured he would take over at left tackle someday. They didn’t expect it to be this soon. Midway through his first NFL preseason, the Falcons shifted Matthews across the line on Monday to replace Sam Baker, who went down with a season-ending knee injury.

Matthews, the No. 6 overall pick, was expected to break into the league at right tackle, a less-demanding position than protecting quarterback Matt Ryan’s blind side. Now, the rookie will have to step up to the challenge right away.

“I think the coaches are going to put me in good situations,” Matthews said. “If I keep getting reps, I’ll be ready to go.”

Baker sustained a torn patellar tendon in his right knee during a 32-7 loss to the Houston Texans in a preseason game last Saturday night, hindering Atlanta’s plans for revamping the offensive line. The team struggled mightily up front last season, a big reason the Falcons ranked last in the league in rushing and gave up 44 sacks, the most in Ryan’s career.

Not surprisingly, the Falcons used their top draft pick on Matthews and signed free agent Jon Asamoah, another instant starter at right guard. Baker, a former first-round pick who played only four games last season because of a knee injury, also was part of the rebuilding effort.
Coach Mike Smith tried to put the best face on Baker going down again.

“As soon as we had confirmation that Sam wasn’t going to be able to play anymore this season, it’s an easy switch,” Smith said. “Jake is a No. 1 pick, the sixth pick in the draft, he’s got left tackle written all over him.”

Former starter Lamar Holmes, who had been listed as Baker’s backup, moved over to take Matthews’ spot on the right side. Gabe Carimi and Ryan Schraeder will compete for playing time as well, though Carimi is banged up at the moment.

“You just flip your mind, get over to that other side, and continue to play fast,” said Holmes, a former Hunter Huss player who started 15 games last season — essentially because the team had few other choices — but has yet to show he can handle a first-team job.

The Falcons have no such concerns about Matthews, who played left tackle at Texas A&M and was projected to take over that position at some point in the NFL.